As of the census[1] of 2009, there were 1,775 people, 722 households, and 488 families residing in the city. The population density was 602.2 people per square mile (232.3/km²). There were 851 housing units at an average density of 268.7 per square mile (103.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 50.03% White, 48.93% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.05% Asian, 0.52% from other races, and 0.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.15% of the population.

There were 722 households out of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.5% are married couples living together, 27.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% are non-families. 30.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.53 and the average family size is 3.13.

In the city, the population is spread out with 29.6% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 79.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 72.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $22,105, and the median income for a family is $27,188. Males have a median income of $30,000 versus $20,603 for females. The per capita income for the city is $13,522. 35.0% of the population and 28.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 47.9% of those under the age of 18 and 25.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

The Taylor County School District holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school.[8] The district has 101 full-time teachers and over 1,735 students.[9]

The Taylor County Girls' basketball team (1967 - 1972) holds the record for the nation's longest girl's high school basketball winning streak by winning 132 consecutive games, going undefeated for five years and winning five back-to-back state championships.

Butler was incorporated on February 8, 1854, but the charter was not received until 1870. Taylor County was carved from the Creek Indian territory which had in earlier years become the counties of Marion, Talbot, and Macon.

The chosen location of Butler was known as the "Fifty Mile Station" on the railroad due to the fact that it was the geographical center of the railroad between Macon and Columbus, GA. Each town is approximately fifty miles in either direction of Butler.